How we create bone health information you can trust

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be trying to learn more about the condition and what you can do to live well.

But with so much health information online nowadays, how do you know if it’s accurate, reliable and up to date? That’s where the PIF TICK comes in.

What is the PIF TICK?

The PIF TICK, created by the Patient Information Forum, is the UK’s only independently assessed quality mark for print and online health and care information.

We’re proud to say that we’ve been awarded the PIF TICK here at the ROS. That means that when you’re reading, watching, or listening to our bone health information, you can be sure it’s evidence-based and easy to understand.

How do we develop our health resources?

Our digital and printed health information covers everything from looking after your general bone health, to diagnosing osteoporosis, taking medicines, and how to live well after spinal fractures.

As trusted health information creators, we follow PIF TICK’s 10 key steps when developing our resources:

1. Use a consistent and documented process

2. Give staff on-going training and support

3. Make sure the resources meet a genuine user need

4. Use reliable, up-to-date evidence

5. Involve users in the development of the information

6. Meet literacy, language and accessibility needs

7. Comply with GDPR and other regulations

8. Make it easy for users to give feedback

9. Promote the information so it reaches those who need it

10. Measure the impact

“Having the PIF TICK reflects our commitment to putting people with osteoporosis at the heart of our health information,” says Erika Radford, Head of Information and Support Services at the ROS. “All of our information is checked and reviewed by people living with osteoporosis to make sure it reflects real experiences, answers the questions that matter most, and is genuinely easy to use.”

What does PIF TICK accreditation mean for you?

When you see the PIF TICK logo, you can be sure the health information is accurate, reliable and evidence-based.

This will empower you to:

• make the best decisions about your health

• find the support you need

• be more involved in your care.

“Gaining the PIF TICK is such a fantastic achievement and testament to all the amazing work our teams do,” adds Erika.

“With so much information online, it can be difficult to know what to trust but this quality mark is a quick and easy way for people to be assured our information here at the ROS is reliable and trustworthy.”

As the Patient Information Forum continues to champion high-quality health information, we’re delighted to be part of its growing network of trusted organisations.

Explore our health information to help you live well with osteoporosis or learn more about the PIF TICK accreditation here.